We take a look at Saturday nights (16/03/2019) NRL match which is between North Queensland Cowboys and St George-Illawarra Dragons. North Queensland Cowboys go in as slight favourites although its not really a match we won’t to get too involved in.
When: Saturday March 16, 7:35pm
Where: Leichhardt Oval
Bet: Bet On This Match HERE
Preview:
It’s the start of something new in North Queensland in more ways than one. Jonathan Thurston is no more, while the additions of Josh McGuire from the rival Broncos should compliment Jason Taumalolo nicely.
The Dragons also added a pair of players from Brisbane in Korbin Sims and Jonus Pearson. Despite making it to the second round of the Finals, head coach Paul McGregor will be hoping the pair can add some stability to his team that faded from the top of the ladder midseason to finish seventh.
As far as the market goes, St. George look a little over the odds at this price. The Dragons have won three-straight over North Queensland, including last year’s 24-10 belting during Round 19.
It appears the bookies are siding with North Queensland due to home-field advantage here, a factor that proved less than beneficial to the Cowboys last season. Paul Green’s side finished 5-7 at home, but importantly, just 2-4 against the line as the home favourite.
On the other hand, it’s not like the Dragons were any better. St. George are 0-3 as the underdog against the Cowboys on the road, while they also lost two of their final five road games to close out the season. With that in mind, this is a market you’re best off avoiding.
Odds:
Tip: St George-Illawarra Dragons at $1.81
Value Tip: First Try Scorer: Jordan Pereira at $12.00
Teams:
Cowboys: 1 Jordan Kahu 2 Javid Bowen 3 Justin O’Neill 4 Tom Opacic 5 Nene Macdonald 6 Te Maire Martin 7 Michael Morgan 8 Matt Scott 9 Jake Granville 10 Jordan McLean 11 Gavin Cooper 12 Coen Hess 13 Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14 John Asiata 15 Josh McGuire 16 Mitchell Dunn 17 Francis Molo. Reserves: 18 Ben Hampton 19 Jack Clifford 20 Gideon Gela-Mosby 21 Enari Tuala
Dragons: 1 Gareth Widdop 2 Jordan Pereira 3 Euan Aitken 4 Tim Lafai 5 Mikaele Ravalawa 6 Corey Norman 7 Ben Hunt 8 James Graham 9 Cameron McInnes 10 Paul Vaughan 11 Jacob Host 12 Tariq Sims 13 Tyson Frizell. Interchange: 14 Jeremy Latimore 15 Matt Dufty 16 Blake Lawrie 17 Luciano Leilua. Reserves: 18 Zac Lomax 19 Josh Kerr 20 Reece Robson 21 Jonus Pearson
*Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change